Doris Molina-Henry Speaks on "Equity by Design" at the National Academy of Sciences

Doris Molina-Henry, Assistant Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, participated in the “Equity by Design” session at the Societal Implications of Geroscience workshop hosted by the National Academy of Sciences.

The December 5 workshop in Washington, D.C., gathers leading geroscience researchers and thought leaders, aiming to examine and discuss the contributing factors to age-related health decline.

Molina-Henry is a panelist on the session entitled, “Equity by Design.” The session  explores the societal implications of future interventions designed to extend health span, focusing on key issues such as access, cost, equity, social norms, and ethics.  Session speakers delve into racial disparities in health span, examining how racism and poverty contribute to accelerated aging.  As a leader and expert on recruitment and retention of diverse participants into clinical trials, Molina-Henry is dedicated to developing strategies that encourage participation from historically underrepresented and understudied, cognitively unimpaired adults in studies.

The session and workshop also aim to spark a critical dialogue about the role of policy in harnessing the potential of geroscience to address and reduce health disparities. By examining the intersection of research, scientific advancements, and social inequities, the discussion explores whether targeted policies can be developed and implemented to ensure that the benefits of geroscience are equitably distributed. The goal is to identify actionable strategies that can translate geroscience breakthroughs into meaningful improvements in health equity, addressing systemic barriers and fostering a more inclusive and accessible approach to extending health span for all communities.

You can watch the live stream and also follow Doris Molina-Henry and her work.